perspective
A Newsletter of The Providence Center www.providencecenter.org Wi n t e r / S p r i n g 2 0 1 3
Anchor Recovery Community Center in Warwick Now Open for Business Learning Through Technology Today’s classroom looks a lot different than it did a few years ago. Blackboards and CD-ROMs have been replaced with interactive white boards and iPads, and group work occurs around a SMART Table. For students in special education settings, technology is an integral part of learning. At The Providence Center School and Anchor Learning Academy, the state’s first recovery high school, incorporating technology into the curriculum creates a student-
The grand opening of Anchor Recovery Community Center, a partnership of The Providence Center and the YMCA of Greater Providence, took place on February 4, launching the nation’s first recovery community center at a YMCA facility. The partnership’s combined services recognize health, wellness and community involvement as important elements in recovery. The new site of Anchor Recovery Community Center on the grounds of the Kent County YMCA in Warwick will offer a full-range of programs radiating across 117 acres of the YMCA’s beautiful wooded campus.
centered learning environment that results in
Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, RI Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals Director Craig Stenning, Providence Center President/CEO Dale K. Klatzker, Ph.D., CEO and President of the YMCA of Greater Providence Jim Berson, Governor Lincoln D. Chafee, RI Department of Health Director Dr. Michael Fine
increased motivation to learn, greater academic performance and improved behaviors and socialemotional development—skills that ensure future success. Technology is also central to the work of Bridge Technical Talent, a full-service IT staffing firm headquartered in East Greenwich, RI. Last year, partners Joe Devine and James Wright made a donation to help purchase the first iPads for The Providence Center School and have since expanded Bridge’s relationship with The Providence Center by focusing their philanthropy on the schools’ technology initiatives. Bridge has donated a total of
Anchor Recovery Community Center's home at the Kent County YMCA in Warwick
$10,000 and also offered to match its employees’ “This partnership exemplifies the way that community organizations can come together to make a difference in the lives of the people we jointly serve,” said Dale K. Klatzker, Ph.D., president/CEO of The Providence Center. “The vision of Anchor Recovery Community Center is to find ways to make a ‘super highway’ for individuals in all stages of recovery. The center’s focus is about community and building leadership through advocates.”
contributions.
Bridge partners Joe Devine (center) and James Wright (r) with Dale K. Klatzker, Ph.D. , Providence Center president/ “ CEO, presenting their first donation.
The partnership expands the YMCA of Greater Providence’s scope of supports outside of traditional health and wellness programs. “The Providence Center offers the perfect synergy to provide support to those in recovery,” said Jim Berson, CEO and president of the YMCA of Greater Providence. Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Greater Providence Cindy McDermott and Paula Jacobson, executive director of the Kent County YMCA, will play active roles in this partnership to create support for health and wellness.
The Providence Center opened the doors of Rhode Island’s first Anchor Recovery Community Center in downtown Pawtucket in December 2010. Since then, over 100,000 visitors have engaged in a number of selfdirected programs, including 12-step groups, health and wellness events, social activities, recovery coaching, telephone recovery support, employment services, computer resources and recovery advocacy work. The Center’s goal is to help address the state’s critical need for support and information about substance use, mental health and recovery. “One in ten people are in recovery from substance abuse in the United States and looking to improve their health and find a community that supports both their wellness and recovery goals,” added Klatzker. “At Anchor, programs and supports are developed in a community setting with different approaches and choices, driven by the interests of the members,” said Jim Gillen, associate director of recovery services and director of Anchor Recovery Community Centers. “Each community is different and Anchor Recovery Community Center and its staff are committed to understanding the individual needs of the community while collaborating with local supporters.” As in the Pawtucket location, a strong volunteer base, including people in long-term sustained recovery, will be utilized with the support of trained professionals to provide a safe and supportive place to meet.
“When we learned about the iPad project, it was a great opportunity to get involved in a community initiative that spanned both education and technology,” said Devine. “When we visited the schools and saw first-hand the great work taking place, the decision was easy to continue to support the technology initiatives.” Other donors to the project include Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation, and Justine Metz and Kerrie Fisette. This support will help provide technical resources for students in both schools. For Technology Coordinator and Middle School Team Leader Dolly Brooks, this means introducing more learning tools that will cultivate each student’s strengths. “When we are thinking about what types of technology to add to our curriculum, we want to be sure that it is helping the student learn in more engaging and relevant ways,” Brooks said. continued on page 3
SAVE SAVE THE THE DATE DATE SAVE SAVETHE THE DATE DATE
President’s President’s Cup President’s President’sCup Cup Cup th thAnnual The The Providence Providence Center’s Center’s 1212 Annual Golf Golf Tournament Tournament th Annual TheThe Providence Providence Center’s Center’s 12 th 12Annual Golf Golf Tournament Tournament
Monday Monday Monday Monday June June3, 3,2013 2013 June June3,3,2013 2013 Rhode RhodeIsland IslandCountry CountryClub Club Rhode Rhode Island Island Country Country Club Club Barrington, Barrington, Rhode Rhode Island Island Barrington, Barrington, Rhode Rhode Island Island 7:30 7:30a.m. a.m.and and 7:30 7:30 a.m. a.m. and and 1:00 1:00 p.m. p.m. tee tee times times 1:00 1:00 p.m. p.m. teetee times times For For information information or or reservations, reservations, ForFor information information please contact contact orplease reservations, or reservations, Lisa Lisa Desbiens Desbiens please please contact contact atat 401.528.0127 401.528.0127 Lisa Lisa Desbiens Desbiens oror ldesbiens@provctr.org ldesbiens@provctr.org at 401.528.0127 at 401.528.0127 or ldesbiens@provctr.org or ldesbiens@provctr.org
News Comprehensive Services at New Outpatient Clinic in Providence The Providence Center (TPC) opened a new outpatient clinic designed to increase access to integrated primary and behavioral health care for Providence residents. Located at Providence Community Health Centers’ (PCHC) new location at
RI’s Rally for Recovery Named 2013 National Hub Event
355 Prairie Avenue, the clinic is staffed by two full-time clinical therapists, a psychiatrist, as well as a clinician who facilitates the connection between behavioral health and medical care. New outpatient clinic at PCHC at Prairie Avenue
The clinic is the latest example of the strong commitment of TPC and PCHC to ensure that the clients of both organizations
have access to health care services that address the whole person. Numerous studies have demonstrated the Rhode Island’s Rally4Recovery has been selected as National Recovery Month’s 2013 hub event by Faces
clear link between behavioral health issues and increased risk of developing chronic medical conditions such as obesity and asthma, as well as the prevalence of depression and other mental health conditions in patients seeking medical care.
& Voices of Recovery. The Rally4Recovery is a free family-friendly festival that seeks to educate and raise awareness about recovery from addiction, mental
RI Leaders Celebrate Opening of Anchor Learning Academy The Providence Center celebrated the grand opening of Anchor Learning Academy,
illness and developmental disabilities. The rally will
Rhode Island’s first recovery high school, with a roundtable discussion between students
be held on Saturday, September 21, featuring former Congressman Patrick Kennedy as the Grand Marshal, guest speakers and entertainment and concludes with a candlelight procession during WaterFire. Visit www.rally4recovery.com for more information.
at the high school and Rhode Island government officials. Located at 520 Hope Street
Anchor Learning Academy
in Providence, Anchor Learning Academy provides students in recovery from substance use with a supportive environment dedicated to helping them keep up with their peers academically while focusing on their long-term recovery.
“I applaud The Providence Center for engaging in proactive outreach that addresses the realities of substance abuse,” said Governor Lincoln D. Chafee.
The Providence Center
Two current Anchor Learning Academy students
Board of Trustees
the first recovery high school. “After being in treatment
James Botvin, Chair Nancy Fisher Chudacoff, Esq., Vice Chair Joel Stark, Treasurer Patricia Cawley Affleck, Secretary Donald R. Barbeau Alison Bologna Marguerite Chadwick Linda M. Cohen, Esq. Walter R. Craddock, Esq., CFP® Thomas E. Day Marianne Holmes Ana P. Novais Renee Rulin, M.D., M.P.H. Nicki Sahlin, Ph.D. Matthew Stark Robert C. Wood, Sr.
shared their experiences of being the first students in and trying to make changes in my life, it’s hard to relate to the kids at my old school,” said a student. “Here, I am surrounded by positive influences.”
Annual Circle of Stars Gala Raises $197,000 The Providence Center honored community leaders Nat Calamis, president and CEO of Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage, Inc., and Dan Del Prete of Dan’s Management for their commitment to providing philanthropic support to the Rhode Island community at Circle of Stars on October 17. The event supported The Providence Center’s Coping with Crisis Fund, created to help provide mental health and substance use services to low-income children, adults and families in crisis.
Trustees Emeriti Lionel Delaney Linda Thimann Dewing Robert M. Doyle Karl Ericson Charles Feldman Joyce Hall Karen Lee Maureen McDonald Lilia G. Nash Emily Nelson James H. Reilly
Joshua Teverow, Esq., Legal Counsel The Providence Center is a private, non-profit behavioral health organization.
Dale K. Klatzker, Ph.D. President/CEO Michael A. Silver, M.D. Chief Medical Officer Editorial Staff: Kristle Gagne, Editor Felicia Lesnett, Writer Sara Szeglowski, Writer Gora Communications Associates, Design Sheahan Printing, Printer www.providencecenter.org 401.528.0123
Former Senator John Tassoni, Jr., House Speaker Gordon D. Fox, President/CEO of The Providence Center Dale K. Klatzker, Ph.D., Representative Frank G. Ferri, Governor Lincoln D. Chafee, students from Anchor Learning Academy, and Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian.
“We are thrilled to be able to honor Nat and Dan for their commitment to The Providence Center and the clients we serve,” said Dale K. Klatzker, Ph.D., president/CEO of The (l-r) Dan Del Prete, Dale Klatzker and Nat Calamis Providence Center. “Both of these honorees have worked tirelessly, and often behind the scenes, to make sure that services are available for the people who need them. Without their support we could not continue to offer services to the more than 12,000 individuals who come to The Providence Center every year.” Special thanks to our major sponsors: Gold Sponsors Dominion Diagnostics, LLC The Hanover Insurance Group Silver Sponsors Dan’s Management Co. Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage, Inc. Travelers Dinner Sponsors Cox Business The Law Firm of Marasco & Nesselbush Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island
Bronze Sponsors Higgins Cavanagh & Cooney, LLP Otrando, Porcaro & Associates, Ltd. Performance Environmental Services, LLC PURE Combination VIP Reception & Dinner for Eight Alpha Pension Group Aurora Technologies/EDI Support, Inc. Bentsen Combies Insurance The Hartford Providence Tattoo Selective Insurance Sparrow, Johnson & Ursillo, Inc.
Inside TPC Improving Care and Saving Money with Health Homes
In September, The Providence Center opened Anchor Learning Academy, Rhode Island’s first recovery high school providing students in recovery from substance use
Rhode Island’s early adoption of one of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act has launched a program that coordinates care for some of The Providence Center’s most complex clients, improving health outcomes and, in the long run, saving the Medicaid program money. Medicaid’s new “Health Home” option allows a provider to coordinate all medical services for clients with chronic illnesses. In 2012, Rhode Island became one of the first two states to implement Health Homes, a program providing a structure and incentives for community mental health centers to coordinate services of Medicaid clients with severe mental illness. Health Homes are based on the concept of person-centered care, a tenet of The Providence Center’s approach to care. As a provider, The Providence Center develops a treatment plan for each client that addresses all of their health needs: primary care, mental health and substance use treatment, chronic disease management and non-clinical services such as connections to community supports and identifying family supports. “We focus on caring for the whole person and Health Homes supports our vision for an integrated system of health care,” said Deb O’Brien, The Providence Center’s vice president and chief operating officer.
with a supportive environment dedicated to maintaining academic progress while focusing on their long-term recovery. As the school passed the mid-point of the year, Perspective talked with Director Paula Santos about Anchor Learning Academy’s progress.
What has been the most significant change you’ve witnessed in the students? A real sense of self-awareness has been the biggest change. Students have built an honest sense of their strengths and weaknesses, feel comfortable asking for help and are open to constructive feedback. The staff
While comprising only five percent of the Medicaid population, individuals with behavioral health needs make up over half of Medicaid spending nationally. In Rhode Island, 5,000 Medicaid beneficiaries have severe and persistent mental illness, many of whom don’t access primary care regularly. For a high-cost patient, enrolling in a Health Home ensures consistent coordination of all aspects of care, including psychiatry, primary care, specialty care, medication, hospital discharge and wellness needs.
is dedicated to building a trusting environment that facilitates student growth. How has the combination of academics and clinical
“This coordination helps us sharpen our focus on client care and improves health outcomes while controlling Medicaid costs,” said Jim Pinel, director of community services. Nearly 1,000 Providence Center clients have benefitted from Health Homes.
support responded to the various needs of students?
A benefit of Health Homes is the full access to the information staff need to help clients achieve optimal health. “Prior to Health Homes, we wouldn’t know if a client was hospitalized and they would be discharged without a treatment plan, possibly causing a client to lose the gains they had made in treatment,” said Russ Cooney, associate director of community support programs. “Now, the hospital liaison coordinates care between the discharge planners at the hospital and the team in the community so that the appropriate supports are in place for recovery when they are discharged.”
learning plans and
Several unique features already in place at The Providence Center enhance the organization’s effective implementation of Health Homes. The Providence Community Health Centers clinic and Genoa Pharmacy located on-site simplify primary care and medication coordination. Two registered nurses embedded on community treatment teams facilitate follow-ups to medical specialists and lab tests and connect clients to wellness services. Health Homes are a valuable tool for improving care and advances the integration of physical and behavioral health care. For individuals with complex health needs, Health Homes are an innovative solution to coordinating all the services that allow clients to achieve wellness.
Students are in control of both their their recovery goals. The curriculum is based on individual needs, strengths and goals, and gives students opportunities to reflect on their progress and make adjustments
Paula Santos
accordingly. In their recovery plans, each student identifies “replacement activities” to avoid boredom—a trigger for substance use. These range from employment, improvisation classes at a local theater, gym time, debate club, spoken word, book
Learning Through Technology
...continued from page 1
club, counseling or peer meetings.
In addition to the iPads used daily by all TPC School students, the
What steps does Anchor Learning Academy take to
school is equipped with a technology lab and several classrooms are
ensure students stay committed to their recovery?
outfitted with SMART Board interactive white boards and SMART Table
Students attend Recovery Advisories every morning
interactive learning centers. Technology supports the individualized
and afternoon, attend three on-campus peer groups
curriculum at Anchor Learning Academy, where blended virtual
weekly, and receive one-on-one counseling. Students
learning methods are applied using Edgenuity, a web-based learning
are also paired with a recovery coach, who they
program.
contact twice a week, and attend one peer group outside of school. Core staff is accessible off-school
With its versatility, portability and availability of educational content for
hours if needed.
the tool, iPads have enhanced the curriculum at TPC School. The wide range of educational apps available for the iPad allows teachers to target
We celebrate recovery milestones and goals. A tiered
specific learning needs and interests and reinforce reading, math and science skills in individual and small group
reward system informed by student feedback gives
settings. Using apps as lesson introductions, wrap-ups or discussion, teachers become facilitators of learning—
students more ownership and flexibility in their
talking less and letting students explore more.
progress and allows them to manage their resources
As a clinical tool, iPads are valuable in reducing emotional and behavioral issues, often allowing them to continue the
based on self-awareness of their needs.
lesson outside the classroom to avoid disrupting their peers. Creative art apps specifically designed to have a calming effect provide another option for a student to self-regulate. “As technology professionals, we love when students are exposed to technology,” said Devine. “It accelerates their success, prepares them for a bright future and inspires them to be life-long learners, and potentially even creators of technology.”
What has made Anchor Learning Academy successful in its first academic year? When students feel heard and supported, trust is built, leading to a level of honesty and vulnerability essential to growth, both personally and academically. Students are given opportunities to provide feedback that
Since becoming involved with The Providence Center School through the iPad project, Bridge employees have donated their time to help paint an anti-bullying mural at the school and volunteered at the annual Circle of Stars fundraising event. For more information on how your organization can make a difference, please contact Chief Development Officer Lisa Desbiens at 401.528.0127.
shape their experience at Anchor Learning Academy. Our students have told us they feel supported by the staff and feel that every person at Anchor Learning Academy is invested in their success.
528 North Main Street
Providence, RI 02904
Address Services Requested
perspective
The Providence Center believes that the best outcomes occur when clients are met where they are in their recovery with the right kind of care at the right time. Just over two years ago, a patient enduring a crisis involving increasing depression, difficulty with daily functioning, or substance use relapse might find themselves facing a costly, lengthy emergency room visit and hospital stay. The Providence Center changed that when it opened the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), a 24/7 specialized unit providing an alternative to hospitalization or step-down for transition between levels of care located on Dodge Street in Providence. For clients experiencing crises, the immediate access to the CSU’s highly skilled team of psychiatrists, nurses, clinicians and case managers who specialize in mental health and substance use crisis intervention is critical to stabilizing the situation for a return to recovery. Perceptive and creative problem-solvers, the team acts swiftly to determine the most appropriate, effective course of action for the patient.
During their time at the CSU, clients attend groups that address both substance use and mental health needs, with topics on Dialectical Behavior Therapy, maintaining wellness and motivational Fast Facts interviewing. Staff also provide substance • Since its opening in 2010, the CSU use education, crisis has admitted nearly 800 clients intervention and • In FY2012, the CSU diverted 281 resolution, and case clients from potential hospital management. Clients stays are connected to the support services at Anchor • Average length of stay: 5-7 days Recovery Community Center and to the primary care made available through Providence Community Health Centers at North Main. “The structure of the CSU allows us to provide in-depth care for each discipline—case management, clinical therapy, nursing,” said Proto. “This results in the most effective care for our clients putting them back on the road to recovery.”
“We’re focused on the client’s future success in recovery,” said Scott Proto, CSU clinical team leader. “We begin with the client’s current issues, learn their personal recovery goals, research their medical histories, and arrive at the best ways to help the client return to their baseline status.”
We want to hear from you!
Getting the client stabilized to ensure a successful transition to a lower level of care is the objective of the CSU team. Transition planning begins at admission, keeping the focus on the client’s recovery goals. Comprehensive discharge plans include post-CSU placements at community-based services, identifying family and community supports, connecting clients with resources and engaging clients with recovery specialists.
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Permit No. 30
A Newsletter of The Providence Center
www.providencecenter.org
Inside TPC: Recovery High School
How to Improve Care and Save Money
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Anchor Opens at Kent County YMCA
What ’s Inside: Winter/Spring 2013
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The Right Care at the Right Time: TPC’s Crisis Stabilization Unit